notes from the cottage/ A.K.A. Downton Abbey-West

Here at Downton Abbey-West we are a privileged lot. We have central heat, electricity, an ocean mere steps away, and well meaning neighbors. After a near obsessive tear on the famed British television program, I am prepared to come up for air and share a thought or two on Julien Fellowes’ masterpiece.

It all seemed so simple; everyone knew their place. The servants were thrilled to serve tea and fine dinners to the aristocrats and then slurp down stew in the basement kitchen. And the aristocrats were equally thrilled to be served, knowing they were offering employment to those “below decks.”

If it weren’t for the war itself, and those damn women working on the home front while the men were off doing battle, we would perhaps, still be in our upstairs/downstairs positions. At least those living across the Pond.

Things have changed for the better for most of us, but something from that era that should make a comeback are the titles. Folks both up and down longed for their blessed titles: Footman, Valet, Steward, even…Master of the Horse. And upstairs: Sir, Duke, Earl, Lady, Princess, or Dowager Countess.

There is something about a title that gives one confidence, respectability, even street cred. I recently discovered a business whose singular purpose is to bestow upon you just such a title…for a small fee of course. Sort of a modern day example of A Knight’s Tale, where the Geoffrey Chaucer character made up pedigree “patents” for the squire-who-would-be-knight.

15 Responses to notes from the cottage/ A.K.A. Downton Abbey-West

I already have a title, bestowed upon me last summer – not by British mucky-mucks, but by my good friend Ellen. A group of lady friends met during the August “Sturgeon Moon” for an overnight campout in Ellen’s field. During the two-day preparation for our evening meal, I acquired the respectful title Beanhole Woman. The nice part of this event was that it wasn’t an “Upstairs, Downstairs” situation. Believe me when I say we were ALL downstairs.

Meanwhile, I am happy to refer to you as “Your Grace” or “Your Excellency”, or how about “Your Authorness”?

Maybe an excellent writing prompt would be for each of the Word Birds to come up with an official title for herself, and perhaps for the others.

I find it a little more than remarkable Joan, that you are connected to almost every blog I post. I don’t know if I would be brave enough to admitting to Beanhole woman…you are made of tougher stuff than I my friend! I love your idea for the birds. Thanks for reading my blog. slw

There are actually several companies willing to take your money. Just search under “buy a British Title”!! Or else just start signing checks and letters with…Martha Marchioness of Mayhem. Thanks for reading!

Loved this Sally, wish I could think of something jaunty to title myself with but I think it’s more like the Babbling Blogger. Thanks so much for all your nice comments…a derivative of this may appear in my blog some time soon…it served as a nice prompt for me…For now, I acquiesce to the Baroness, Sweet Sally!